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HimalayaNet #90 (January 2002)Welcome to the 90th edition of HimalayaNet, the online newsletter of the Himalayan Explorers Connection.Reports of violence continue in Nepal and Pakistan. Time to plan a cruise to the Caribbean instead of tackling a Himalayan peak or volunteering in a remote village? Don't give up hope yet - keep checking in with us and the State Department to monitor the latest conditions. Thanks to everyone who supported us during our end-of-year membership drive, and congratulations to the four lucky winners of LEKI trekking poles! And look for the BBC Documentary about porters - "Carrying the Burden" - (produced and directed by Sangita Manandhar) - in the Best of Banff Tour now showing throughout the U.S. Scott Dimetrosky Executive Director, HEC IN THIS ISSUE: LOCAL NEWS 1. REPORTED MAOIST VIOLENCE CONTINUES IN NEPAL 2. U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT UPDATES TRAVEL WARNING FOR NEPAL 3. PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF RECENT TRAVEL IN KHUMBU REGION 4. U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT UPDATES TRAVEL WARNING FOR PAKISTAN 5. NEPAL HOSTS SAARC AND VISIT FROM COLIN POWELL 6. OPENING OF MILLENNIUM TREKKING ROUTE DEFERRED 7. PAKISTAN HELICOPTER EVACUATIONS POLICY CHANGES 2002 8. INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MOUNTAINS (IYM) LAUNCHED 9. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2002 HIMALAYAN EXPLORERS CONNECTION UPDATES 10. FOUR HEC MEMBERS WIN LEKI TREKKING POLES 11. PORTER ASSISTANCE PROJECT: "CARRYING THE BURDEN" TOURS WITH BEST OF BANFF 12. VOLUNTEER NEPAL HIMALAYA UPDATE 13. JOIN THE HEC KHUMBU REFORESTATION PROJECT 14. TIM MCARTNEY-SNAPE TO SPEAK AT PORTLAND, OREGON REI MONTHLY FEATURES 15. INTERNET CONNECTION: WHAT'S NEW ON THE WEB: (TRIP REPORTS) 16. DID YOU KNOW? THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN NEPAL MEMBER POSTINGS 17A. LOOKING FOR NEPALI-ENGLISH OR SHERPA-ENGLISH LANGUAGE TAPES 17B. LOOKING FOR TREKKING PARTNERS FOR APRIL/MAY 2002 17C. LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON SIMIKOT APPROACH TO MT. KAILAS CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES HOW TO POST ON HIMALAYNET HIMALAYAN EXPLORERS MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION ********************************************************************** LOCAL NEWS ********************************************************************** 1. REPORTED MAOIST VIOLENCE CONTINUES IN NEPAL Reports continue to make their way into Kathmandu - many issued by the Defense Ministry of Nepal - about continued Maoist violence in Nepal. As recently reported by the Kathmandu Post: Jan 7, 2002: At least 14 Maoist "terrorists" were killed and 30 suspects arrested in the past two days across the country in the search and cordon operation launched by the joint security forces of Royal Nepal Army (RNA) and Armed Police Force (APF). Jan 14, 2002:At least two Maoists were killed and 14 other arrested by the joint security forces of Royal Nepal Army(RNA) and Armed Police Force (APF) across the country in their search and destroy operation , said the press statement issued here today by the Defence Ministry. According to the release the armed forces shot dead two rebels in nursery area of Bardia district following a clash. Jan 16, 2002: Security forces intensifying "Cordon and Destroy" operation killed six Maoist rebels including a Maoist commander according to the press release issued here today by the Defense Ministry. Jan. 17, 2002: A group of Maoists, including a girl, adducted a teacher [teaching] a class in Lamjung district Wednesday and shot him dead, local officials said. The rebels shot him with a pistol after telling him "it was unwise for him to teach at this time," [an] eyewitness told The Kathmandu Post. Jan 22, 2002: At least ten Maoist "terrorists" were shot dead and three others injured across the country in last 24 hours in search and cordon operation launched by the security forces. Jan 25, 2002: Security forces on Friday gunned down four Maoist rebels, including two women, in Gorkha and Myagdi districts, according to a press release issued by the Defence Ministry. Jan 26, 2002: In their latest attack, Maoists on Saturday bombed the houses of Krishna Mohan Shrestha, chief of Armed Police Force (APF) and Garud Shumsher JB Rana , retired Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Nepal Army in Chainpur Bazar, Sakhuwasabha district, leaving them completely destroyed. No one was hurt in both the incidents. Jan 28, 2002: Twenty-one Maoist rebels and four policemen, including an SP, were killed in separate incidents in Teharathum and Kailali districts respectively in the span of twelve hours. Three rebels and two policemen also sustained serious injuries in the incidents. Jan 29, 2002:Sixteen more Maoists were gunned down in an encounter with the security forces in Sankranti Bazaar area of Tehrathum district. The death toll on the Maoist side could even be higher because details of the incident were yet to be known, said the dispatch. Allegations that Journalists are Threatened and Detained Despite these reports rumors of a "news blackout" continue, and the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) has expressed it's concern about the "impending danger on press freedom." The FNJ has stated that journalist are not only being threatened, but have also been detained by the government. State of Emergency Extended On January 21, 2002 Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba stated that government was preparing to extend the State of Emergency, which was declared on November 26 last year for three months. Addressing a press conference organised here today by the Press Union, Kaski district, Deuba said that the Maoist movement could not be quelled in period of just three months and said that the government has come to a conclusion to extend the period of the emergency. "There is no possibility of reducing the period rather it will be extended," said Deuba, PM further added that Maoist "terrorists" have already been defeated in the western region. "The Maoists should be routed throughout the country, not only in the western region." The PM, however, declined to comment on the possibility of the support from the main opposition CPN-UML to extend the period of emergency. After one and half months, government has a big challenge in the parliament to get the approval for the ordinance on emergency extension as UML seemed less interested in it. He also hinted that government is ready for talks if the Maoists disarmed themselves. "The talk is possible only when they give up the terrorist activities and hand over arms and ammunitions." Earlier, at an interaction programme organised by the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the PM had stated that the government was compelled to increase excise duty and tax rates in some products to meet the rising security expenses amounting to Rs. 5 billion. A week earlier, the government amended the Finance Bill 2001, levying a special charge of Re. one in every litre of petrol, diesel and kerosene. "Neither emergency was imposed intentionally nor was the mobilization of army. The government was forced to declare emergency when the terrorists broke the truce unilaterally. I request all the industrialists to support the increase in excise duty and tax rates of the products to meet the security expenses," said Deuba. ********************************************************************** 2. U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT UPDATES TRAVEL WARNING FOR NEPAL Nepal - Public Announcement January 24, 2002 The Department of State advises Americans residing in or contemplating travel to Nepal to exercise caution. The state of emergency declared by the Government of Nepal in response to attacks on security forces and government facilities continues. While the scale of armed clashes has declined, sporadic violent encounters between the insurgents and security forces are reported in numerous portions of the country, including areas that had not typically seen much Maoist activity. The U.S. Embassy has significantly limited travel by official American personnel outside the Kathmandu Valley. The Department advises American citizens planning travel outside the Kathmandu Valley to contact the U.S. Embassy in Nepal to obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans should closely monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov. For further information on travel to Nepal, please consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet on Nepal at http://travel.state.gov/nepal.html and the American Embassy in Nepal's home page at http://www.south-asia.com/USA/. Americans living in or visiting Nepal are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Nepal. The U.S. Embassy is located at Pani Pokhari in Kathmandu, telephone (977) (1) 411179; fax (977) (1) 419963. U.S. citizens may also register by e-mail by accessing the Embassy's home page. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement for Nepal dated December 4, 2001, to update security information. It expires April 22, 2002. See http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for State Department Travel Warnings ********************************************************************** 3. PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF RECENT TRAVEL IN KHUMBU REGION [Note: This is a response from a posting from HEC Member Joe Bozzuto in the December 2001 issue of HimalayaNet] Namaste Joe, I read your account in the HEC newsletter of travel in the Khumbu with much interest and must say that I totally concur. My son and I trekked to Kala Patar (arrived 28/11/2001, we probably passed you on the trail) and at no time did we feel threatened in any way. There was much talk at the lodges regarding the situation but everyone, locals and trekkers, seemed comfortable that they were in no danger. We arrived at Namche on 29/11/01, the day after the curfew came into force I think. There was much talk at the lodge about why the curfew as called and a long silence when along with the automatic gunfire, there was a power failure early in the evening. You can imagine what everyone on the lodge was thinking. The reason we heard was that the army and police personnel had been moved to the trouble spots so there was only a skeleton crew to look after Namche. Like you, both my son and I would be on a plane back to Nepal this afternoon if we could. Regards and Merry Christmas Mark Meyers, mmeyers@gil.com.au ********************************************************************** 4. U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT UPDATES TRAVEL WARNING FOR PAKISTAN Pakistan - Travel Warning January 28, 2002 The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety before deciding to travel to Pakistan. Although the Department has authorized the return of all U.S. Embassy and Consulate personnel positions and family members effective on January 28, 2002, ongoing events in the region require that all Americans in or traveling through Pakistan closely consider the implications for their security and safety. U.S. forces are engaged in military action in neighboring Afghanistan, against the remnants of the former Taliban regime and the terrorist Al-Qaida network. While the Government of Pakistan has expressed its full support for the international campaign against terrorism, some public sympathy and support for the Taliban and Al-Qaida still exist in Pakistan. The presence of indigenous sectarian and militant groups in Pakistan requires that all Americans in or traveling through Pakistan take appropriate security measures. Events in the Middle East also increase the possibility of violence. Americans who reside in or visit Pakistan despite this warning should exercise maximum caution and take prudent measures. This includes maintaining a strong security posture by being aware of their surroundings, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, varying times and routes and contacting the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in case of any change in the local security situation. The Consulates in Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi are open for American citizens services but not visa services. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad is open for all services including visa services. However, from time to time, the missions in Pakistan may temporarily close or suspend public services as necessary to review their security posture. The U.S. Embassy also urges all American citizens to defer travel to the tribal areas of Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province until further notice. The Government of Pakistan requires all citizens of countries other than Pakistan and Afghanistan to obtain permission from the Home and Tribal Affairs Department prior to visiting these tribal areas which lie outside the normal jurisdiction of the Government of Pakistan. U.S. citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to register and obtain updated security information at the American Embassy in Islamabad, the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, or the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar at the following addresses: The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad is located at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, telephone (92-51) 2080-0000; consular section telephone (92-51) 2080-2700, fax (92-51) 822-632. The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi is located at 8 Abdullah Haroon Road, telephone (92-21) 568-5170 (after hours: 92-21-568-1606), fax (92-21) 568-0496. The U.S. Consulate in Lahore is located on 50-Empress Road near Shimla Road or Sharah-E-Abdul Hamid Bin Badees, (Old Empress Road), telephone (92-42) 636-5530 during regular working hours, fax (92-42) 636-5177. The U.S. Consulate in Peshawar is located at 11 Hospital Road, Cantonment, Peshawar, telephone (92-91) 279-801 through 803, fax (92-91) 276-712. For further general information regarding travel to Pakistan, U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Pakistan, available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Pakistan dated December 13, 2001, in order to inform U.S citizens of the termination of authorized departure status of U.S. Embassy and Consulate employees and their family members in Pakistan and to update the security situation in Pakistan. http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for State Department Travel Warnings ********************************************************************** 5. NEPAL HOSTS SAARC AND VISIT FROM COLIN POWELL Kathmandu made the headlines twice this month. First was the much-anticipated meeting of Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee at the 11th Summit of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) on January 4, 2002. Then, on January 18, 2002, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell made a short visit to the Nepali capital. SAARC Summit Leaders from the South Asian nations - including Prime Minister of India Atal Behari Vajpayee, Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and Chairman of the Bhutanese Council of Ministers Khandu Wangchuk - convened in Kathmandu on January 3-5, 2002 for the SAARC Summit. The three-day gathering of South Asian heads of state in Katmandu, Nepal, ended in a stalemate between the leaders of India and Pakistan. India's prime minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, remained adamant that India would not take part in any talks until he was satisfied that Pakistan had shut down Islamic militant groups, this despite a the fact that President Pervez Musharraf offered his hand to the leader of his nation's rival, India. Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee shook it, but then remarked that he had had enough of symbolic gestures from Pakistan, which he says has failed to block militant groups he claims are responsible for attacks in India The 56-point Kathmandu Declaration of the 11th SAARC Summit was released at the closing ceremony by the Summit Chairperson, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba of Nepal, pledging among other things, eradication of poverty, regional economic integration and elimination of terrorism from South Asia. The Valley Traffic Police Office (VTPO) won praise during the Summit by only allowing vehicles with odd number plates to drive on odd dates and vehicles with even number plates to drive on even dates, thus limiting traffic by keeping half the vehicles off the streets. The VTPO is considering continuing the system even after the SAARC Summit. Visit by Colin Powell Kathmandu, January 18, 2002 - U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, speaking in the course of a joint press conference addressed also by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, condemned the violence perpetrated by Maoists and both Nepal and the U.S. agreed that there was a need to tackle the root of the problem. In this respect, he mentioned the "recent" Maoist attacks on the Nepalese people, the police and the military, and said, "There is no room for use of violence to create political change in a democracy". Secretary Powell fully backed the Nepali government efforts against Maoist violence, saying, "We fully acknowledge the government of Nepal's right to protect its citizens and institutions from terrorist attacks." However, he said that the US wanted the current State of Emergency to be of a limited duration and urged the elected government to protect human rights while dealing with the emergency situation. Prior to his departure, Powell went on a sightseeing tour around the capital's Bouddhanath and lit a lamp on the Buddhist Stupa. Why did Powell visit Nepal? According to the Kathmandu Post "America has now learnt that failed states pose the greatest danger to its security. Could Secretary Powell's visit to Nepal, then, be an indication of US concerns that Nepal too might turn into a failed state if urgent corrections are not made, and soon? Given the experience of Afghanistan, current American thinking is that, a failed state provides ripe conditions for terrorism to take root." ********************************************************************** 6. OPENING OF MILLENNIUM TREKKING ROUTE DEFERRED Kathmandu Post Report POKHARA, Dec 25 - The opening of the 80-kilometres long millennium trekking route from Dhorfirdi in Tanahun to Budhakot in Syangja is to be delayed by almost one year due to a lack of infrastructure development, primarily as a result of government indifference. "The millennium trekking route that was to be opened next week will not be opened this year," Padam Bahadur KC, chief at the tourism office in Pokhara, informed The Kathmandu Post. "The route is likely to be opened only around September-October next year." Local are vexed over the indifference shown by the government in opening the route that would have served as one of the attractions to Destination Nepal 2002. The Dhorfirdi Majkot Tourism Development and Management Committee had demanded over Rs 4.1 million from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation three months back for developing the necessary infrastructure. "The government did not support us in our endeavor to open the trekking route. The opening of the route would have served in the larger interest of the nation by being one of the attractions in Destination Nepal year 2002," said Tek Bahadur Gurung, vice chairman of the committee. The committee had asked for the government's assistance to construct the necessary infrastructure along the trekking route. The committee had envisaged to spent the money on constructing a hanging bridge and a park, among others. The local population has done the necessary homework to promote the trekking route. According to Gurung, almost 40 per cent of the necessary infrastructure is already ready, done with active participation of the local population. The villagers had initiated the necessary works after a feasibility study was initiated led by the tourism office in Pokhara. The locals are actively engaged in the construction of toilets in the villages and renovation of their houses to accommodate the tourists. The opening of the route, which will take around 6 days to complete, is expected to benefit, directly or indirectly, over a hundred thousand people along the trekking route. KC also informed that one-day, two-day and three-day trekking packages will also be developed to suit the trekkers. The proposed trekking route passes through nine village development committees in the Tanahun and Syangja districts. Many of the villages along the route are to be developed as Model Tourism Villages, as well. The millennium trekking route once opened would be the first route based on the concept of village-tourism. No tourist-standard restaurants or hotels would be allowed to operate, and all tourists would share rooms with villagers as a part of the family and eat the best food that the family has to offer. However, the lodging of tourists would be decided by a committee constituted in each of the villages on a rotation basis so that each household prospers. The charges for food and lodging per person each day would range from US $28 to $46. ********************************************************************** 7. PAKISTAN HELICOPTER EVACUATIONS POLICY CHANGES 2002 by Greg Mortenson Pakistan's Secretary of Culture, Sports and Tourism has a new procedure for medical evacuations by helicopter in Pakistan for 2002. Askari Aviation Limited, a subsidary of Pakistan's Army Welfare Trust will coordinate all mountain rescues. The helicopters used are commissioned Pakistan military helicopters with active military pilots. Emergency evacuations of sick and injured mountaineers and trekkers will continue to be initiated by either the Pakistani military liaison officer or appointed guide. All Tour Operators have been instructed to follow the new procedure in the future. In order to guarantee helicopter support for emergencies, the tour operator or the leader of the expedition or trekking parties are required to adopt the following procedure: A cash deposit of US Dollars 6000/= by an expedition deposited at Askari Aviation. Or: A written guarantee from Diplomatic Mission of Embassy of the expedition in Pakistan. Or: A cash or bank guarantee by a licensed Tour Operator approved by Pakistan's ministry of Tourism and Askari Aviation. An insurance statement will NOT suffice in leiu of a deposit. Askari Aviation also provides helicopters for rental, retreival or deposit of climbers or gear in basecamps, film or movie productions and geological survey. More information, rates and contact, visit Askari Aviation website at www.askariaviation.com or e-mail them at askaria@isb.paknet.com.pk ********************************************************************** 8. INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MOUNTAINS (IYM) LAUNCHED by Greg Mortenson The International Year of Mountains (IYM) 2002 was launched the week of December 10 - 16, 2001 at UN Headquarters, in New York. In accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 53/24 of November 1998, the year 2002 was declared the International Year of Mountains (IYM). The IYM's goal is to raise international awareness about mountains, their global importance, the fragility of their resources, and the necessity of sustainable approaches to mountain development. The IYM builds on the process initiated by the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), or the Earth Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Chapter 13 of UNCED's major outcome, Agenda 21, highlights the urgency for action to achieve sustainable mountain development. Adolf Ogi, former President of the Swiss Confederation, officially opened the event, proclaiming, "May the sound of the alpenhorn be heard far beyond the confines of this room and help to create understanding across long distances." Ogi noted that mountains are home to one tenth of the world's population, yet provide water for more than half of the world. He called for careful management of mountain areas to avoid long-term impacts of increasing tourism. Over 100 officials attended the December 11 kickoff of The IYM. Representing climbers was alpinist Erhard Loretan, who expressed his opinion that the small number of mountain residents is not afraid to come to grips with big problems. Officials representing North American organizations in The IYM inaguration were Bernadette McDonald, Vice President, Banff Centre, Canada, Gabriel Campbell, Director-General, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Faanya Rose, President, Explorers Club, Jack Ives, Carleton University, Ottawa and Catharine Cooke, President and CEO, Jim Enote, tribal member representing the Zuni Nation, Native American Nation, The Mountain Institute who thanked Jane Pratt, previous president of the Mountain Institute for conceptualizing The IYM. http://www.iisd.ca/linkages/sd/mountains/ An HTML version of International Year of Mountains IYM is available at: http://www.iisd.ca/sd/mountains/mountainnote.html Official website of the International Year of the Mountains is: http://www.mountains2002.org/ ********************************************************************** 9. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2002 Educate the Children (ETC) invites you to express goodwill and support by joining the members of our women's groups in Nepal in celebrating International Women's Day on March 8th. As part of the celebration, a banner of messages from around the world is displayed in our program area in Nepal. Please join us by contributing your own message or drawing to the banner. Each message is carefully read by hundreds of women and is deeply appreciated. In most cases, yours are the only messages the women ever receive from outside of Nepal, and these words give them a sense of connectedness to their sisters in the rest of the world. All messages will be translated into Nepali, so that the newly literate women can read them. After the event all the letters will be bound into a book to be kept in the local library and read in the advanced literacy classes. The women in ETC's programs are in the midst of a great struggle to gain respect and rights for themselves and their children, and to improve the lives of their families. With the help of ETC as well as tremendous effort and hard work on their part, they have made significant progress. They have attended classes in literacy, animal husbandry, legal rights, health care for their families, nutrition and income generation. Show your support by promptly sending your message! Please keep the text short and simple, leaving space for the translation. Feel free to include drawings, photos, or other decorations. Thank you for joining us in this joyful celebration! Sincerely, Freema Hillman ETC Board Member To send your message: *Please use an 8 1/2 " x 11" piece of paper (unless you send the message by e-mail). Feel free to add pictures or personal anecdotes, but even just a signature on letterhead or one line in an e-mail would be greatly appreciated. Please keep messages brief and leave space (if you're sending paper) for translations, which will be done by volunteers. *Mail your paper message to arrive by Feb. 14 to Educate the Children, P.O. Box 414, Ithaca, N.Y. 14851-0414, USA, or fax it to us at (607) 275-0932. Alternatively, you can fax or e-mail your message by February 26th to 977-1-429-018 (from the U.S. 011-977-1-429-018) or info@etc-nepal.org. (Messages received after these dates will be collected in the commemorative book for the library but will not appear on the banner.) ********************************************************************** HIMALAYAN EXPLORERS CONNECTION UPDATES ********************************************************************** 10. FOUR HEC MEMBERS WIN TREKKING POLES Thanks to everyone who supported us during our end of year membership drive! The HEC received over 150 new or renewing members (maybe what the Sierra Club gets in a day, but who's counting?), plus a number of life members! And congratulations to HEC Members Jose Miguel Hurtado, Evan Lovell, Julie Stadjuhar, and Preb Stritter, who were the lucky winners in a raffle for LEKI Super Makalu Trekking poles! All the winners were excited, but Preb Stritter (an HEC members since 1996) was ecstatic: "Hey - how about that! Wow - you mean I really WON something. You have made my day for sure! Imagine being the proud owner of a PAIR of Lekis - I am delighted! The old knees are so creaky that I will use them every day on my 3 mile lap around our campus trails which I was instrumental in laying out about 8 years ago. Not to mention on any further trips into outlying areas of the world." The HEC would also like to thank LEKI for donating the poles for the raffle. ********************************************************************** 11. PORTER ASSISTANCE PROJECT: "CARRYING THE BURDEN" IN BEST OF BANFF TOUR The BBC Documentary "Carrying the Burden" - (produced and directed by Sangita Manandhar) is now touring the U.S. with the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. The film uncovers the horrors that porters face to support their lowland subsistence farmer income. The film features discussions with porters who have suffered horrendous frostbite, hypothermia and high altitude sickness. The film also highlights programs, offices, and personnel of the Himalayan Explorers Connection, which has established the HEC Porter Assistance Project. These programs are in partnership with the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) and Porters' Progress (an initiative of the HEC and Nepalese NGO). The Porter Assistance Project provides clothing and education and to Nepalese porters. You can learn more about the HEC project and tips on caring for your porter by going to www.mountainexplorers.org/clothingbank2.com The Banff Mountain Film Festival's Web site lists the schedule and local sponsors for the World Tour. http://www.banffcentre.ca/cmc/film_tourall.html. Contact your local sponsor to request "Carrying the Burden" to be included in the local showing of the films from the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Some upcoming shows that will most likely show the film include (dates may overlap as there are two sets of film on tour): February 18: Portland, ME February 25-26: Boulder, CO February 28: Aspen, CO March 6-7: New York, NY March 7: Ft. Collins, CO March 8-9: Denver, CO March 8-9: Philadelphia, PA March 12-13: Salt Lake City, UT April 15: Champaign, IL April 20: Eugene, OR April 22-23: Bend, OR April 24-25: Portland, OR April 26-28: Hood River, OR Please also note that Mountain Sports of Boulder, CO will be selling vouchers for socks at the February 25, 2002 show in Boulder, CO. They have also offered to match one pair of socks for every pair that is purchased! ********************************************************************** 12. VOLUNTEER NEPAL HIMALAYA UPDATE Due to the political violence in Nepal the HEC - along with a number of study abroad programs - was forced to cancel our spring 2002 Volunteer Nepal Himalaya Teaching program. This was a difficult decision for us, and we are extremely disappointed that the schools, families, and participants can't share and benefit from this unique program. We are still hoping to run the fall program, however, so if you are interested please contact us. If you are interested in going sooner, remember that the HEC publishes the Nepal Volunteer Handbook with leads on over 50 NGOs and volunteer programs, many of whom are still looking for volunteers. Jane Sabin-Davis, jsd@ucinet.com ********************************************************************** 13.JOIN THE HEC KHUMBU REFORESTATION PROJECT The HEC, Manaca.com, and the Everest Foundation are teaming up to help a local community forestry group plant 20,000 trees in the Khumbu region in Nepal. The 16 day trip departs from the U.S. on April 20, 2002, and includes six days working side-by-side with a local community forestry group to collect soil, prepare the soil, and plant the saplings. There is also an optional six day extension to the Tengboche Monastery. For more information please contact us at info@mountainexplorers.org or visit http://www.mountainexplorers.org/club/reforestation.htm or www.manaca.com ********************************************************************** 14. TIM MCARTNEY-SNAPE TO SPEAK AT PORTLAND, OREGON REI Tim Macartney-Snape will be speaking at the Portland, OR REI store on Saturday, February 2 at 7pm. Tickets are only $3 and will help benefit the HEC. Tim successfully climbed Mt Everest by a new route without oxygen from Tibet in 1984 and then again from Nepal in 1990 during his famous Sea to Summit expedition. He has also made first ascents of other great peaks including Annapurna 2 and Gasherbrum IV. Tim is a Founding Director of the Foundation for Humanity's Adulthood which has developed a biological basis for understanding human nature. He is also the Chairman of the Nepal Eye Program Australia. He is a partner in the clothing and equipment manufacturer Sea To Summit Pty Ltd. He lives in the Southern Highlands, New South Wales, Australia, located 100km's South of Sydney. ********************************************************************** MONTHLY FEATURES ********************************************************************** 15. INTERNET CONNECTION: WHAT'S NEW ON THE WEB (TRIP REPORTS) Many travelers are now posting trip reports online. These four sites (and there are probably many others) contain excellent information and photos of visits to the Annapurna region: http://www.annapurna.ca http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/whites/nepal/ http://www.compusmart.ab.ca/pkvill/annapurna/annapurna.htm http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/6335/index.html 16. DID YOU KNOW? THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN NEPAL Eight out of 10 Nepalese are engaged in farming and it accounts for more than 40% of the GDP. Rolling fields and neat terraces can be seen all over the Terai flatlands and the hills of Nepal. Even in the highly urbanized Kathmandu Valley, large tracts of land outside the city areas are devoted to farming. Rice is the staple diet in Nepal and around three million tons are produced annually. Other major crops are maize, wheat, millet and barley. Besides food grains, cash crops like sugarcane, oil seeds, tobacco, jute and tea are also cultivated in large quantities. (From www.welcomenepal.com) ********************************************************************** MEMBER POSTINGS ********************************************************************** 17A. LOOKING FOR NEPALI-ENGLISH OR SHERPA-ENGLISH LANGUAGE TAPES Our Sherpa friends have recently moved to the U.S. (we are now in the process of getting their kids over as well). Does anyone know of any Nepali-English or Sherpa-English language tapes or books that exist, to help them learn English? We are also looking for books to teach them reading and writing skills as well. Gordon Janow, gjanow@alpineascents.com 17B. LOOKING FOR TREKKING PARTNERS FOR APRIL/MAY 2002 I am looking for trekking partners to join me in the Himalaya for about 3 weeks in April/May of 2002. My preference would be a camping trip to Annapurna, Everest, or Tibet. I could even could venture into less beaten trails. My goal is to have: more interaction with Nepalis & their culture, above average adventures, and a good team. I have a volunteering assignment with Child Haven International in Kathmandu after the trek. Samy Aly, aly_sami@hotmail.com 17C. LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON SIMIKOT APPROACH TO MT. KAILAS We are looking for information regarding flying to Simikot in Nepal, trekking over the border into Tibet and doing the Mt. Kailas circuit. Border situation, (especially now), hiking conditions to the border, and accounts from people who have done this hike recently are welcome. Bill and Heather Rice, billnheather@yahoo.com ********************************************************************** CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION (UPDATED JANUARY 2002) ********************************************************************** ARUN TREKS & EXPEDITIONS. Personal Service. Good Value. Great Times. Trekking, Climbing, Mountaineering, Horseback & Overland Touring. Asia, Africa, S.America, Europe. Customized itineraries and group discounts available. Please contact us for further information. Phone: 888-495-8735 or 512-407-8314 info@aruntreks.com http://www.aruntreks.com Explore Himalaya: Can arrange individual/group holidays to all destinations in Nepal, India, and Tibet. High altitude treks & climbing, mountain biking, and white water rafting. Contact Suman Pandey, PO Box 4902, Kathmandu, Nepal Fax: 977-1-252 115 adventur@mos.com.np Join the Himalayan Explorers Connection in the Himalayas! In March and October 2002 Pemba Sherpa leads an Everest trek with Island Peak. The trip include an excursion "off the beaten path" to Sewangma, where Pemba grew up and the location of the HEC Bridge Project, and to the Sano-Gomela School project. Phone: 303-998-0101. info@mountainexplorers.org Absolute Adventure Himalaya Climbing Expeditions with Daniel Mazur. Announcing new lowered prices due to recent events. These are full service expeditions, including Sherpas and all costs inside Nepal: Amadablam, Kangchenjunga, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Pumori, Mustagh-Ata, Cho-Oyu, Everest. Everything for the novice, intermediate and expert since 1987. Phone: 206-329-4107 summitclimb@earthlink.net www.summitclimb.com Ladakh, India; captivatingly beautiful mountain desert-scapes and Tibetan nomads. Kanchenjunga, Nepal; huge rewards for the intrepid, classic trekking as good as it gets. Everest with Jamie McGuinness, who wrote the guide book to it...Wild treks, but as fun as they come. http://www.project-himalaya.com NEPAL, SIKKIM, BHUTAN & TIBET. Scheduled treks & tours with USA leader of 33 Sierra Club Himalayan trips. From $425. Custom itineraries too. Off-the-beaten track areas. Environmentally sensitive and porter friendly. Peter Owens' Asian Treks. Phone: 800-223-1813 or 510-222-5307 petertrek@worldnet.att.net http://www.instantweb.com/p/peterowens Travel to Nepal and Vietnam with ROOM TO READ Room to Read's mission is to provide under-privileged children in Nepal and Vietnam with an opportunity to gain the lifelong gift of education. We have built schools, established libraries, and granted scholarships. Join our team in the quest for education for all children! Phone: 415-420-7756 john@roomtoread.org www.roomtoread.org Discover the Himalayas with local expert Pemba Sherpa at Sherpa Ascent International. Cho Oyo expedition September 2002, two spot left. Ama Dablam and Island peak climb in March and October 2002. Around Annapurna trek and more. Proceeds also support HEC projects. Phone: 888-568-8924 pemba@sherpaascent.com www.sherpaascent.com World of Wonder Adventures, Inc. - The adventure travel specialists that personally take you to the places you've always wanted to go, to do the things you have always wanted to do. Visit our website at http://www.wowadventure.com for upcoming adventures including Everest Base Camp and Mt Kilimanjaro - Africa. 888-4-WOW-FUN wowadventure@earthlink.net ********************************************************************** TRAVEL Himalayan Treasures and Travel. We have seats to Kathmandu all the time. Call us for the best price and best service. We book for many HEC members and give HEC discounts! Call 800-223-1813 or 510-222-5307. govindsh@himtrek.com http://www.himalayantrekking.com. ********************************************************************** VOLUNTEER/STUDY ABROAD Volunteer Nepal Himalaya offers participants a unique opportunity to teach English in Sherpa villages in the Himalayas, near Mt. Everest. Accommodations are with local families. While not teaching, participants work on community service projects or explore the endless trails and villages of the Khumbu region. For more information, please contact the Himalayan Explorers Connection at info@mountainexplorers.org or call (303)998-0101. Bridges-PRTD now accepting applications for Fall 2002 expedition (Sep 7 - Dec 10, 2002). This study/volunteer work program focuses on tourism development in a remote valley of Nepal; includes full Everest trek, optional excursion to India. $1800 plus personal expense. Open to students and non-students. www.bridges-prtd.com or e-mail seth@bridges-prtd.com The Nepal Volunteer Handbook offers potential volunteers everything they will need to know about volunteering in Nepal, including a personal skills assessment, background on the history of foreign assistance in Nepal, tips for ensuring a worthwhile experience, and information on over 50 volunteer leads. Contact the HEC at (303)998-0101 or info@mountainexplorers.org ********************************************************************** HOW TO POST ON HIMALAYANET (1) Send your HimalayaNet postings to himalayanet@mountainexplorers.org Be sure to include your membership number in your e-mail. Only members can post on HimalayaNet. If you've lost your membership card, E-mail the HEC at info@mountainexplorers.org. (2) Put your E-mail address at the bottom of your posting. (3) Send responses to postings directly to the author at the address listed. (4) If you receive responses to your posting, please send the moderator (himalayanet@mountainexplorers.org) a summary if the topic is of general interest so it can be sent it out to all subscribers in the next issue. ********************************************************************** HIMALAYAN EXPLORERS CONNECTION MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION The Himalayan Explorers Connection (HEC) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to promote a better understanding of and respect for the environment and cultures of the Himalayan Region. The HEC coordinates education, assistance, and cross-cultural experiences for members, volunteers, trekkers, and Himalayan residents. Members can receive e-mail and postal mail, store luggage, use our Internet phone to call the U.S. (no cost), and browse through trip reports at our Clubhouses in Kathmandu and Islamabad, Pakistan. In addition, members receive discounts with many hotels, restaurants, shops, and travel agents. Members also receive our hardcopy newsletter, Himalayan News. For more information about the HEC please contact us at: Himalayan Explorers Connection PO Box 3665 Boulder, CO 80307 Phone: (303)998-0101 Fax: (303)998-1007 info@mountainexplorers.org http://www.mountainexplorers.org |
